Virgin of Lujan
Christianity is one of the main religions that exist in the world, its main foundation is the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is considered the Messiah and the savior of humanity, being its central figure born in Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago , focusing the rest of his existence on teaching the multitudes different teachings in parables that are reflected in the scriptures, after his death on the cross of Calvary where he was carried for all the sins of humanity.
Today, the Catholic Church is led by the Pope, where it is headquartered in Rome, it is made up of a set of councils and a hierarchical structure of priests. It presents a large set of various beliefs centered on Christianity such as the worship of saints and devotion to the Virgin Mary, to the point that it stood out for developing one of the main Marian currents focused on making known all the importance of the Virgin. Maria.
In this case, it is desired to highlight the Virgin of Luján, which corresponds to one of the main Marian expressions, being the great Patron Saint of Argentina, it has a characteristic size, it measures approximately 38 cm high and is quite simple, being well recognized for the events that took place. Mid-nineteenth century. For this reason, she is highly recognized and revered in Argentine lands, being part of the country's culture.
History
In the middle of the year 1630, a Portuguese man known as Antonio Farías Sáa, who was one of the most prominent landowners in the province of Santiago del Estero in Argentina, had a deep desire to build a chapel dedicated exclusively to the honor of the Virgin, for this reason he was determined to obtain one of the representations of the virgin.
For this reason, he decided to ask one of his compatriots who was living in Brazil known as Juan Andrea, dedicated to the navy, since he was about to make a trip, he asked him to bring him an image of the Virgin, specifically the Immaculate Virgin of the Conception to be worshiped in the Argentine land. His friend decided not only to bring him an image but also two versions of the Virgin Mary.
The first image was exactly the one requested, representing the image of the Immaculate Conception, while the second was completely different from the one requested because it was titled as the Mother of God holding a baby Jesus in her arms. Juan Andrea decided to preserve the images as much as possible, storing them inside two well-prepared drawers to preserve them.
They were transferred from San Pablo to the port of Buenos Aires, once there it was placed in a cart, going through three days of travel and they began to be transferred in a caravan where the cart paused every so often because the height of the transfer was 10 leagues to the city of Luján; Halfway there, a stop had to be made at the Zelaya area to spend the night, making the decision to spend the night there.
The next day, first thing in the morning, the decision was made to continue the trip, the oxen that were in charge of dragging the load, could not move the cart that transported the images, managing to advance at a certain moment but with great difficulty, for Therefore, they made the decision to lower one of the boxes that the cart was moving and after that the load could continue to be carried without any problem or conflict.
Everyone was surprised by what had happened, so they decided to examine what was inside the drawers. Upon opening it, they discovered it was a very small, baked clay image of the Virgin Mary, very similar to the Immaculate Conception. Upon observing this, they considered it a miracle and an act of the Virgin Mary. Therefore, they decided to give the image to Don Rosendo, owner of the house where they spent the night in Zelaya; the second image continued on its way to its original destination.
The Hermitage of the Virgin
Once this story was made known throughout Buenos Aires, many people decided to approach the place where the virgin was and venerate her, every day the number of people who came to meet the virgin was numerous, Don Rosendo enabled a decorated room and exclusive for their adoration and respect, but the number of pilgrims was greater every day.
Due to this, over time, the owners of the house decided to build a hermitage in honor and respect for the Virgin, taking some years to have it ready approximately 3 years, when it was completed it was opened to the public mainly by those who were faithful followers of the Virgin. who were approaching the place to present their honors.
The hermitage was built in a very rustic style, a modest home constructed of smooth, polished stones, with a bell tower, mud walls, a thatched roof, and a dirt floor. Inside is a small white-painted room, with a very simple and natural altar in the center, where the image of the Virgin would be placed. It should be noted that the hermitage is very simple and small, yet beautiful in its grandeur.
Some of the visitors to the place were well-known personalities, as in the case of the mercenary Pedro de Santa María, who indicated the following about the hermitage:
“The Holy Image was in that of Rosendo, in a very short Oratory and the Image of all the Pago was highly venerated. And said Rosendo dedicated a black named Manuel to the cult of the Image, who took care of the lamp of said Lady, which burned incessantly.
Today, the site of the hermitage, also known as the Place of the Miracle, remains, along with a convent and a small chapel, maintaining its original features to preserve its primitive condition. Considered the Virgin's first dwelling place, it is now considered a tourist and colonial spot in northern Argentina.
Ana de Matos
The hermitage became known as the site of the miracle, becoming very popular as a tourist spot and place of worship of the Virgin. In mid-1671, a widow known as Ana de Matos, the owner of a large and wealthy property located near the Luján River, was a highly recognized woman in the Buenos Aires area and very devoted to the worship of the Virgin located nearby.
As time went by, the image and the place where it was located became very deteriorated and transmitted a lot of loneliness. Mrs. Ana Matos observed with great pain the situation of abandonment in the image, so she decided to go to the cathedral and speak with the priest Juan de Oramas who was Diego Rosendo's half-brother. Approaching them, she requested that they hand it over or sell it and she would take charge of giving it honor and a more favorable condition for the virgin.
When Don Rosendo died, the church authorities decided to give the image to Doña Ana de Matos, and she made the payment for its transfer. Because the area was mountainous, building a chapel was very complicated, so she decided to build an oratory and a shelter for pilgrims who wished to spend the night there and stay at the Virgin of Luján's ranch.
In the middle of the year 1677 the work of building the chapel in the areas of Doña Matos began, being made with fired brick and it could be concluded in the year 1685, with a celebration for the transfer of the virgin to her new home on December 8. , where authorities of the Argentine government and authorities of the local Catholic Church participated, among the statements made by Doña Ana de Matos she expressed the following:
"Because I have much love for the invocation of Our Lady of the Clean Conception and her Holy Image, I am grateful and donate to said Image all the space that I will need for the construction of her chapel..."
Finally Doña Ana was happy to have been able to fulfill her purpose and the day after the celebration she went to the oratory to pray but when she arrived at the place dedicated to the virgin, she was not at the altar and desperately looking for her, they found her again where his initial miracle occurred. At first it was believed that it was the result of one of the caretakers of the image, but when it was brought back and fixed to the altar, the same thing happened again a few days later, and this fact was considered a miracle.
The Black Manuel
When the hermitage located on the land of Don Rosendo began, a black slave known as Manuel was dedicated. He came in the caravan that was transporting the two virgins and witnessed what happened when he was unable to drag the cart to move them. The patron observed the passion with which he venerated the virgin, decided to deliver him to the service of the hermitage, dedicating himself exclusively to the care of the virgin until her death.
In the middle of the year 1638 he married a Creole woman from the area known as Beatriz and belonging to the González Filiano family; It was a very simple and humble marriage that was celebrated in the hermitage of the Virgin of Luján, faithfully becoming Manuel's companion and also supporting him in maintaining the cult of the Blessed Virgin who was in the hermitage of Luján.
The name of Manuel is very popular when speaking of the Virgin of Luján, always highlighting the fact of his warmth and willingness to carry out the work, despite the death of his wife in 1670, he never lost his devotion to serving the Virgin of Lujan. He always dedicated to being the conductor of the images, in addition to dedicating himself to the tallow of the candles for the presence of the virgin.
In the middle of the year 1681 the image of the Virgin of Luján was transferred to the oratory of Doña Matos, miraculous events began to occur where the virgin was found completely bathed in dew in the mornings, in addition to plants and leaves composed of fruits surrounded with flowers, assuming that the virgin herself told her that it was time for her to leave the niche, because the place was very narrow she could not work with all her wonders.
The black Manuel died in the year 1686 where the ecclesiastical authorities declared the following:
“El Negro Manuel died in sanctity, for whose merit it is tradition that his body was buried behind the High Altar of the Sanctuary, resting at the feet of his beloved Image of Our Lady of Luján. The black Manuel dressed in a sack as a result of the meats, and growing a long beard in the manner of a hermit..»
Montalbo's father
In the middle of the year 1684, Father Pedro Montalbo, very dedicated to the work of the church, became seriously ill one day due to an asthma attack that seriously worsened his situation, not giving him much security of life, therefore, he decided to visit the small temple Raised by Doña Mato to the patron saint of Argentina, but with no desire to ask for her intercession, but rather to die in the company of her presence and instead of worship.
Long before he could reach the place of oratory he had to move and saw that the journey was very difficult, so when he arrived his physique and health were so deteriorated that they gave him up for dead, helping him all the people in the community they took him where the altar to the Virgin of Luján was and the black Manuel anointed his chest using the tallow from the candle that was in the lamp and after a moment Father Montalbo came back to his senses.
The black Manuel told him to have faith, to believe that he would really heal from his terrible disease, because the virgin would not let him perish and abandon his great work, she wanted him to be the chaplain and it had to be that way, indicating to him at all times to stay strong and firm not to lose hope. Manuel observing that the Father had reacted but was not yet completely stable and firm.
He decided to take the thistles, flowers, plants, seeds, roots and thorns that constantly grew on the virgin's dress, he normally kept them to decorate the altar with the beautiful miracle of the virgin, he decided to tear it apart and mix it with the mud that was fired of the fimbriae and cooked them over the fire with a little water until a syrup was formed. Once ready, I give it to the priest so that he could ingest it worse than he will do it in the name of the Blessed Virgin.
The father obeyed what the black Manuel gave him and consumed it in the name of the virgin, once the concoction was finished and with only this remedy the father will be free of all his attacks and drowning, getting up completely healthy, after that The father, in gratitude, remained in the chaplain of the Virgin of Luján serving for the work of the hermitage for ten years, giving himself with care, great devotion and taking control of the chapel.
Once Father Montalbo took control of the Chapel of the Virgin of Luján in mid-1685, he decided to place the image in the new chapel, which would later become known as the Montalbo Chapel. Today, it is known as one of the most popular and distinctive places for intercession in the country. Father Montalbo died on February 1, 1701.
Don Juan de Lezica and Torrezuri
In the history of the Virgin of Luján, Don Juan de Lezica y Torrezuri stands out. He is considered a very prominent nobleman in the Spanish Crown who managed to perform his duties in the Cabildo of Buenos Aires, holding royal titles such as ensign, to the point of being considered a citizen of the Republic of Argentina. However, he was also highly recognized in the country for his involvement with the Virgin of Luján, elevating it to the rank of town, and being one of the main benefactors in building a basilica in her name.
The Royal Lieutenant Don Juan de Lezica y Torrezuri was a well-known and respected character throughout Latin America, living in Bolivia and dedicating himself to his business and expedition work throughout the country and continent. Suddenly from one time to another he became seriously ill and made the decision to move to Buenos Aires but by all the doctors he was evicted with no hope of life.
Over time, he heard of the miracles of the Virgin of Luján, patron saint of Argentina; remembering all the popular stories related to her, he confidently went to her chapel to seek a miracle for his life. Upon arriving there, he was completely healed. Afterward, he moved to Bolivia again, but his illness relapsed. He decided to return to Spain to spend the season with his family. At the end of the year, he decided to stop in Buenos Aires and entrust himself to the Virgin, where he was freed from all illness.
From then on, the lieutenant felt completely grateful, because he attributed his salvation to the Virgin of Luján, so he decided to move to Argentina and build a temple in the name of the Virgin. He began economic, political, social, and administrative plans to carry out his work by hand. This motivated him when he noticed that the Montalbo chapel was severely damaged and the site was unsuitable for the majestic Virgin.
The construction of the temple began in the middle of the year 1754, opening the new foundations with the support of some authorities such as Monsignor Marcelino and Agramonte, digging down to the rock, where the tower was approximately 39 meters high, it also had the 66,5 meter dome. meters long where a semicircular enclosure was included; 13,2 wide and also had a nave of approximately 12 meters high.
The temple was completed in mid-1763 and inaugurated two years later. The Virgin was then moved to her new temple, where she would remain for 141 years until mid-1904. With all this, Ensign Lezica assigned the status of Villa and also offered complete autonomy to the sanctuary of the Virgin of Luján. Over time, his work was highly recognized, to the point of being named mayor of the City of Buenos Aires.
Construction of the Great Basilica
In the middle of the year 1889, Father Jorge María Salvaire was appointed as the parish priest of the temple of Luján, it should be noted that every certain period a new priest in charge of the functions of the church is appointed and in the same way the chaplaincy for the virgin was declared being assigned the same father Jorge María. Since then, the father had in his heart to grow the temple of the virgin to a basilica appropriate for her greatness.
In the middle of the year 1890, after overcoming great obstacles that are believed, he was able to start the construction of the basilica, managing to choose the layouts and the different design models, choosing a Gothic style, being a highly developed style in Western European basilicas in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth century, in this way the beginning of the basilica and new temple began, in which the image of the Virgin of Luján is currently found.
A large group of characters of the time in the area of architecture and engineers stood out. Such as, Alfonso Flamand and Rómulo Ayerza (engineers); Ulrich Courtois, Ernesto Moreau, Francisque Fleury Tronquoy, Trouve and Laspe (architects). Starting the work once the archbishop was in charge of assuming all responsibility for the work, employing at all times the philosophy of not spending more than what was owed on the construction than what was approved.
The beginning of the basilica's construction generated great enthusiasm in the Argentine community, with reports of the progress in magazines and newspapers, motivating the fact that there was no contribution from the government or the state but that it was built with the income contributed by faithful followers. From that moment on, the various foundations were established in the ground and the walls of the great challenge that Father Salvaire took on began to rise.
Among the different plans, the brick ovens were planned, as well as blacksmithing, stone workshops, type of carpentry, among other details. To such an extent that the top management considered that it was too ambitious and too grandiose a project, opposing some of the requests, objecting to the plans and delaying the construction of the work, until the archbishop declared:
“The virgin wants this temple and the Argentine people, knowing that it is about their patron saint, have become much more generous, it is also a work to highlight the Mother of Heaven and thus have a worthy church for her”
Once all the plans of the specialists Ulrico Courtois and Alfonso Flamand were approved, who began their projects in the mid-1890s, carrying out the excavation to begin the Basilica of the Virgin of Luján indicated in the plans of the work. In addition to also being destined for the creation of the crypt, this area had the main purpose of being dedicated to performing baptisms, also masses and other types of ceremonies.
However, it should be noted that in mid-1895, a large number of floods occurred due to the Luján River being located near the construction site. Therefore, construction was delayed until mid-1895, when it was possible to continue. At this point, work began on the pinnacles and balustrades, with rosettes being installed and the southern walls being completed.
Unfortunately, in mid-1899, Father Salvaire died and his remains were buried in the western transept inside the basilica. Father Brignardello was appointed to succeed him and take control of the construction. Initially, it was feared that the work would be paralyzed due to the absence of its main defender, but the opposite happened because it continued with the support and enthusiasm of the believers.
By mid-1904, two-thirds of the construction work had been completed, and the statues were composed of 14 statues intended for the main altar. By the end of the project, the work was completed, and the statue of Luján was moved from the Lezica temple to its new chapel. Before moving it, the land was blessed and it was installed in its new home.
Tercentenary of the Miracle
The term "tercentenary" was given to the church on the occasion of the three hundredth anniversary of the first miracle. It is notable for the fact that it was approved by the archbishop, who assumed full responsibility for its construction. He was particularly notable for not spending more than the amount approved for its construction, reaching the point of being cited in various magazines and newspapers, such as "La Perla del Plata," which was founded in the same year. He also gained great popularity for following the work of the Virgin of Luján.
Emphasizing at all times the great enthusiasm, generating a climate of support and great fervor for all the parishioners who are great followers of the Marian doctrines, therefore it stood out for celebrating the three hundred years that gave rise to the year 1630, that place where The cart refused to advance until the little virgin was deposited near the Luján river, therefore, a great celebration was held in commemoration of said event.
At that time, a commemorative month was chosen for the Virgin of Luján, with October being the most appropriate month to celebrate the three hundred years of the miracle, with a full week being dedicated to all the commemorations and solemnities prepared for the Virgin of Luján, in addition to being relevant for the celebration of the Virgin of Luján and the basilica culminated in her name, being a year of great importance for all her great followers.
Calling itself the Great Lujanense Week of the Tercentenary, on Sunday, October 5, that same day was declared the official day for the virgin, in addition to proclaiming herself as the great patron saint of the three Republics of Plata: Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Due to the great devotion existing in Argentina, her popularity was extended to neighboring countries and due to the great political and territorial agreements, it was possible to extend her patronage.
In the mid-1930s, one of the major bishops of La Plata and Luján, known as Monsignor Francisco Alberti, recognized for his great devotion and dedicated work in the name of the Virgin, requested on behalf of the Argentine, Uruguayan and Paraguayan episcopates to Pope Pius XI, the official declaration of the Virgin of Luján as the patron saint of the three nations.
It should be noted that being considered a saint or virgin as patron of the nation, the main worship is given to his greatness, in addition to the country being named as his main follower, representing before the Catholic Church as the main spiritual authority in the world. country, therefore, due to the continuous miracles, numerous followers and great trajectory for the devotion of the Virgin, it was considered important to grant such a title to the Virgin of Luján.
On September 8, 1930, the Virgin of Luján is declared as heavenly patron saint before God. After being declared, a commemoration dedicated in his name was held in front of the basilica built and completed, being present by the main ecclesiastical authorities involved in the work such as Monsignor Andrea, Monsignor Dionisio Napal were in charge of taking the oath in front of a large crowd , where they reported that the Virgin Mary of Luján was accepted as Argentine patron saint.
It was a day of celebration where the bell tower rang loudly, celebratory hymns were sung, and the anthems of the three silver nations were proclaimed. It was considered one of the most important days for the Argentine people and widely celebrated by all parishioners. It is worth noting that it is a very significant date for Marian followers nationally and worldwide.
Buenos Aires Mission
Buenos Aires is considered the capital of the Republic of Argentina, where in the mid-1960s, the great city celebrated extraordinary days different from the others, celebrating first of all its great devotion to the Virgin Mary of Luján and constantly asking for heavenly mercy. .
The entrance of numerous people among followers, both Argentine and foreign missionaries where they came to celebrate the great devotion that the nation shared, among the main faithful they had to focus on preaching the gospel where they focused on the great devotion of the Virgin of Luján and those faithful followers of the Marian doctrines offered by the Catholic Church.
On September 28 of the same year, the celebration began when the image of the Virgin of Luján left the basilica as a representative image of a missionary woman, highlighting the importance of carrying the gospel as the main example. Many sectors of the Argentine people received her with applause, different songs, a large number of bands and even tears of emotion.
The towns were Rodríguez, Morón, Lomas de Zamora, Avellaneda, among others. These towns were very distinctive because no one had ever reached them before. Therefore, it was considered a very symbolic and important day, exemplifying a great missionary. Particularly noteworthy was the fact that crowds gathered, always approaching to be part of such a feat and motivate everyone to a great reconciliation with Jesus Christ.
Some newspapers stood out for narrating the events in the last days, where they highlighted that the houses were completely uninhabited, where all the residents turned out to witness the event and the special moment, accumulating on balconies, waxworks. All the time while all the activities related to the Virgin were being carried out, always great fervor and hubbub, uniting as one people and one feeling.
To celebrate the event where the Virgin of Luján was carried as a missionary image through the most remote villages throughout Argentina, activities such as schools, auto repair shops, butcher shops, and common jobs, among others, were suspended. The entire Argentine people were celebrating their national day dedicated exclusively to the nation's patron saint.
Furthermore, the event was not just a journey through those distant towns; the image was also expected in Plaza Mayo. The moment the Virgin arrived at the Metropolitan Cathedral, she would be greeted by a large crowd. Monsignor Serafini was in charge of presenting the image to Cardinal Caggiano and also to the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Once the image was received with applause and great jubilation, he delivered the welcoming speech for the Virgin.
Among his words, the great duty of the Argentine lands was pronounced, which was to take this adoration to different missions and gospels throughout the country, making everyone aware of the importance and relevance of the great patron saint of the country.
The image of the Virgin of Luján continued to visit all the nearby parishes in the country, which were strategically selected near the built basilica, all this tour was carried out during the month of November. The fact of the great power of concentration that she possesses over all the inhabitants of the Argentine country should be highlighted, due to the fact that a great demonstration was observed by all the attendees.
Finishing the great missionary mission by the image of the Virgin of Luján, due to the great success obtained that day, it is commemorated by holding the 1st International Marian Congress, highlighting the fact that it is an outstanding event for all the followers of the Virgin and of the various Marian doctrines followed with great popularity throughout Latin America.
After the event concluded, the event moved to the Palermo Gardens to raise a commemoration in the name of the Virgin. This location was declared one of the main epicenters for the international Marian congress.
Visit of John Paul II to the Basilica of Luján
John Paul II is considered the 264th pope of the Catholic Church, being appointed as an authority of the church in 1978 until his death in 2005. He is considered the first Polish pope named in the history of Catholic Christianity, his pontificate is considered as the third longest in history lasted 27 years. He is considered one of the most influential leaders of the XNUMXth century, having several characteristic slogans on the themes against communism, against Marxism and the various theologies of liberation.
He is considered one of the most influential men in Europe, mainly for collaborating in putting an end to communism in Poland and also for his collaboration in the liberation of the entire European continent; In addition, he was characterized by establishing new links of communication between the Jewish, Orthodox and Anglican churches. Simply put, he is considered one of the most iconic and influential papal representations of all time.
Pope John Paul II was characterized by making numerous trips and visits worldwide, always as one of the emblems of the Catholic Church, among them his visit to the Argentine country stands out as a visit to the Luján basilica in 1982; he was received at one of the main railway stations by one of the bishops of the Basilica known as Bishop of Mercedes and also by Monsignor Emilio Ogñenovich.
Transferring Pope John Paul II to the basilica, but before arriving he was awaited by a crowd that shook with the crowd that began waving flags and cheering and singing; after presenting himself to the crowd, he entered the basilica and prostrated himself before the Virgin of Luján, she was lowered exclusively from her golden altar to be placed at the Papal height, it is said that some of the expressions said by the Pope were the following:
“I come to pray for all those who have lost their lives: for the victims on both sides; for the families who suffer, as I also did in Great Britain. I come to pray for peace, for a dignified and just solution to the armed conflict»
After finishing the prayer, he stood up and handed the Virgin a fully opened box containing the Golden Rose, a special gift from the Catholic Church in the name of God. This visit was considered iconic throughout Argentina, having been honored by such an important and celebrated person, standing out as a great event in honor of the Virgin.
Homily of Pope Francis in Luján 2012
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, also known today as Pope Francis, is considered one of the most celebrated figures in Argentina, as the first pope of Argentine origin. He is widely recognized for his numerous works within the Christian world and also in the secular world, serving as a professor of languages and psychology, a chemical assistant, and a major asset in the Jesuit community.
He is the 266th Pope and also the current Pope of the Catholic Church, he is considered one of the main priests who was under the mantle of Pope John Paul II, he was initially considered as Pope after the death of John Paul II but Benedict XVI was selected, in mid-2013 a conclave was held where the resignation of the Pope was highlighted and after an election the Argentine cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen.
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was known for many of his activities in Argentina, where he served as a priest and faithfully participated in the celebrations of the Virgin of Luján. One of his last sermons, dedicated in her honor in mid-2012 during a youth pilgrimage before he was appointed Pope, was dedicated a homily during the 38th pilgrimage, which is summarized as follows:
Today we conclude this pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin, and as is done every year and on each of her visits, we will remain silent before her Image. We must know that she is very close to us, she who welcomes us into her House this year, this House that, thanks to you, is adorned so much more beautifully. That is why we are so grateful to all those who have put their effort into this. But above all else, we have this need to pray, to ask, and to tell our Mother everything that is part of our lives, and especially for all the pilgrims along the way.
Now, it is necessary that we listen to the Gospel that tells us that moment in which Jesus leaves us his Mother to protect us, that moment took place on the cross and with greater reason we cling to it, the company of the Virgin and also that of Jesus. Where our paths are protected by the two of them. In addition to us Catholics that our faith is in them and mainly here in this is the House of faith of our country! That is why we present our prayers and we also feel like our heart because we are in the House of our Mother, in the House of faith of our Homeland.
Today that we are inside the House of our Mother, we say to her: that she teach us to work for justice. Do you know who came up with this request? to yourselves. Yes, because in the prayers they write when they visit Luján, this prayer began to appear, which today is the motto: "Mother, teach us to work for justice."
This must be a motto that beats in the hearts of the Virgin's pilgrims and must always be reflected as a prayer. Pilgrims, children of this beloved homeland of ours. Your, our beloved Luján, is the Home of all the Virgin's children, and that is why we come to you with the following request: that you teach us to work for justice, and that you teach us to work to be just people in life.
Prayer to Our Lady of Luján
Every Marian expression has days of celebration, special songs, hymns of intonation, among many other dedications, but the prayers raised in her name stand out above all. Let us learn about one of the prayers dedicated to the Virgin of Luján:
VVirgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. Our Lady of Luján, O most beloved Patroness of our country; we come before you, raising our eyes and our arms to you… Great Mother of Hope, of the poor and of pilgrims, hear us…
Today we ask you for Argentina, for our people. We ask you to illuminate our beloved nation with the sun of justice, that the light of a new morning, worse than ever, be the light of Jesus. Please light the new fire of love between us Argentine brothers.
We who are united under the blue and white of our flag, and the colors of your mantle, but mainly we tell you that on a day like today many houses need material bread, but mainly the bread of truth and justice is needed in many minds. We ask you to bring the bread of love between brothers and the bread of Jesus is missing in hearts.
We ask you mother Luján, that above all you extinguish hatred, that you end excessive ambitions, that you do not allow the feverish desire for material goods and spread on our soil, the seed of humility, of understanding. Remove the weeds of pride, eradicate the Cain who may plant their tent on our soil, but we ask that no innocent Abel bathe our streets with his blood.
Your mother help us to see each other as brothers, that we are under the same sky, and under the same flag. That we share the same sorrows but also the same joys. Fill us with your hope, relieve our material and spiritual poverty and that holding your hand let us say louder than ever: ARGENTINA! ARGENTINA, SING AND WALK!
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